Lens · prime
Helios 44-2 58mm f/2
KMZ/Valdai · Helios 44 line made from 1958
Soviet Biotar-type 58mm f/2 (M42, preset diaphragm): 6 elements in 4 groups, 8 aperture blades, 0.5m minimum focus, 49mm filter thread, 230g.
- Focal length
- 58mm
- Max aperture
- f/2
- Mount
- M42 Screw
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 6 / 4
Known for
- Portraits with character
- Creative photography
- Adapted video use
Considerations
- Variable quality between samples reported
- 58mm is not a standard focal length
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: Famous swirly bokeh effect
Rendering: Dreamy, distinctive, characterful
Colour: Warm, vintage
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
Helios 44 (original)
from 1958
M39 mount; 13 (later 8) aperture blades; preset aperture
Helios 44-2
M42 mount, 8 aperture blades, preset diaphragm
Helios 44M-4/5/6/7
44M-4 development completed 1981
M42 mount, automatic diaphragm, 6 blades, M52 filter thread; MC versions multi-coated
Based on the Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 2/58 (zenitcamera.com). The Helios 44 line was made from 1958; development of the 44M finished in 1972 and the 44M-4 in 1981.
Common issues
- Focus ring grease stiffness
- Aperture oil
Buying guide
Check the aperture operates smoothly and the focus helicoid is not stiff. Copies vary, so test before relying on one.
Specifications
| Mount | M42 Screw |
| Focal Length | 58mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 8 |
| Min Focus | 0.5m |
| Filter Size | 49mm |
| Weight | 230g |
Optical design
| Formula | Double Gauss |
| Elements | 6 |
| Groups | 4 |
| Coating | Single Coated |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £20 - £50
- Mint
- ~£80
Indicative, no dated source.